Operational Technology Leader

Accrescent Group; Washington Court House (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Accrescent Group seeks an experienced Operational Technology Leader to bridge automation and data analytics, shaping the digital transformation of a manufacturing site. You will oversee plant floor systems, networking, and cybersecurity while guiding cross-functional teams to optimize operations.

Responsibilities include leading OT projects, enforcing global standards, and leveraging FP&R tools to deliver performance gains and cost savings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, information technology, or related field.
• 5+ years in plant floor systems, integration and automation in manufacturing.
• Expertise in Allen-Bradley PLCs, Wonderware Archestra/MES/InTouch, and SQL Server.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute manufacturing system projects across plant floor, PLCs, devices and networking.
• Enforce global standards for manufacturing and integration systems.
• Develop automation enhancements and data analytics to improve performance.
• Oversee OT infrastructure, cybersecurity and reliability of control systems.
• Collaborate with plant leadership and global IT/Manufacturing teams.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

data analytics

FP&R tools

cybersecurity for OT

team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s in Engineering/IT

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Wonderware (Archestra, MES, InTouch)

Microsoft SQL Server

Aveva MES/SCADA

Cisco/Industrial Ethernet

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Operational Technology Leaderfor one of our client to develop the future of digital manufacturing by bridging the gap between industrial automation and data-driven performance. You will architect the site's digital transformation and serve as the primary subject matter expert overseeing the convergence of plant floor systems and secure network infrastructure. By leading high-impact technology projects, you will ensure operations deliver premium nutrition to pets everywhere while meeting global integration standards.

Job Description

Responsibilities: Strategic OT Management: Lead and execute manufacturing system projects across areas of plant floor systems, PLC control, devices and instrumentation, and networking, from conception to completion. Enforce standards that ensure global consistency of manufacturing and integration systems./ Automation & Controls Execution: Use technical skills including PLC/Archestra programming, HMI screen development, and data acquisition/analytics to integrate and improve automation and manufacturing system projects./ Infrastructure & Security: Manage the configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of OT network infrastructure, ensuring cybersecurity integrity and reliable performance of plant floor control systems./ Leadership & Partnership: Supervise OT resources and establish strong relationships with plant leadership, engineering, and global Manufacturing System, Automation, and IT teams. Participate in local plant meetings to provide updates on project performance./ Continuous Improvement: Analyze system performance to identify opportunities for automation, efficiency improvements, and cost savings. Utilize Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) tools to deliver operational excellence.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical field./ 5+ years of experience in plant floor systems, integration, and automation controls within a manufacturing environment./ Demonstrated expertise in Allen-Bradley PLCs, Wonderware (Archestra, MES, InTouch), and Microsoft SQL Server./ Previous experience in people leadership or managing internal/external technical resources

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) or pet food manufacturing./ Advanced knowledge of Aveva system platform or similar (MES, SCADA, ERP Integration)./ Advanced knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server ./ Advanced knowledge of IT/OT network design (Cisco, Industrial Ethernet)./ Familiarity with cybersecurity protocols specifically for industrial control systems./ Strong understanding of Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) and Operational Excellence metrics.

Screening Questions

Do you have a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical field?

Have you a minimum of 5+ years of experience in plant floor systems, integration, and automation controls within a manufacturing environment?

Do you have demonstrated expertise in Allen-Bradley PLCs, Wonderware (Archestra, MES, InTouch), and Microsoft SQL Server?